[The Gray Hog]

Anyone have info on the house fire by Yankee Clipper area?

[KathieI]

Not Yet, but heard the sirens and had a few phone calls about it already. I really get nervous this time of the year about electric fires with all the lights and stringing wires all over the inside and outside the house. Be careful out there folks, it isn't worth losing your house...

[rshoffer]

Just went by on my bike. A beautiful NEW designer... total loss. Firemen didn't have a chance in this wind. Security watch said possible golf cart fire. What a tragedy on Christmas Eve.

[RayB]

I saw the smoke when I went out in my golf cart to get the newspaper. Drove over to the site and got there just after the fire dept. engines got their. Garage door was open and flames pouring out of the garage and out of the roof over the garage. Thought at first firemen could put out before spreading to whole house. However it was not to be as it took a long time to put out. Once fire broke through the roof the flame shot way up in the air for a long time. By the time the fire was out, house was entirely gone. There were very many fire engines, police cars, emergency equipment, ambulances, and looked like total gridlock in this cul-de-sac. Fire must have started in garage. House was frame with vinyl siding which added more fuel to fire. I was surprised how hard it was for the firemen to put out fire. Those fighting the fire really worked hard.

[graciegirl]

Oh no. So very sad and today, Christmas Eve.

[BobKat1]

No injuries I hope. Any reports?

[beachgirl]

How sad! Does anyone know exactly where the fire occurred? I am away from TV in South Carolina, but I live in a villa in St. Charles.

[GatbTester]

Got to feel so sad for the folks who lost their designer home to fire. One reason the fire may have looked so treacherous and shooting upward is due to the placement of the natural gas coupler that goes up into the roof of the house, making it easier to build the house in the first place. This has been the cause of many catastrophic fires here in TV whether weather related or not. It's about time the developer was called to account on this matter.

[villages07]

Gatb.... I doubt gas lines were a factor in today's fire. St Charles is a new area, and, to the best of my knowledge, no gas is being installed there. Can't blame the developer this time.

[downeaster]

Why are so many house fires here a total loss when the response time is so good? I realize the gas lines could be a problem but they can be turned off easily.

I have heard the cathedral ceilings could be contribute. They create a natural flue with plenty of draft in a confined space.

It is troubling at best. BTW, I have a wrench for turning off the gas at the meter. I keep it where it is readily available and have shown my wife how to use it. I also have my garden hoses situated so I can reach all parts of the house. Those few minutes while the fire equipment is getting here can be critical.

[Snowbird]

We just purchased a designer home in St Charles, we are in WV now till Jan 3, we also would like to know what street the fire occured on? The previous poster is correct, there is no gas in the St Charles area. Thanks for any info..

[junebug7]

Our home is in St. Charles too! Does anyone know the address of the fire? We will be arriving down there on Saturday afternoon.

Thanks!

[Russ_Boston]

I'm glad to hear that everyone is OK.

If you think about it isn't it almost better to have a complete loss on the home than something than can be rebuilt? Not sure it would ever be the same if you only had to rebuild a portion (smoke damage etc.). Just a thought.

[F16 1UB]

Fire occurred in 2300 block of Baldwin Run according to this mornings paper. Total loss. Person moved in early Dec. Tragic!

[junebug7]

Thanks for the address F16. How very tragic for those residents. We are on Foggy Brook Loop so that house is in the cul de sac behind us. It is very scary though with 2 fires in such a short time.